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Lawmakers OK protective orders in sex cases

(Harrisburg) -- A bill headed to the desk of Governor Corbett would give victims of sexual violence the ability to ask a judge for a protective order against their alleged attackers.

The Senate voted unanimously for the bill today, a week after it passed the House unanimously.

The sponsor, Senator Stewart Greenleaf of Montgomery County, says the bill was first introduced a decade ago. Under the bill, a victim of sexual assault can petition a judge to order the defendant to stay away from them. A similar process is available to victims of domestic violence.

The court would be required to hold a hearing within 10 days of the filing, and the victim would be required to prove, by a preponderance of evidence, that he or she requires protection.